It's officially on! First set photo and press release for The Avengers

Yeah, Marvel released a set photo just don't expect to see any of THE AVENGERS. I know, it's sad. It'll be pretty damn cool when we do get to see the team in action.

Director Joss Whedon already gave the heads up on production, but Marvel just wanted to make it official with less joking. So with the production still comes a press release. It's long, filled with stuff you already know, but some (or a few) people will want to read it. I thought I'd be kind and put the plot in bold font.

Check out the photo and press release below.

Here's the official press release:

"Production has commenced today in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Marvel Studiosâ highly anticipated movie âMarvelâs The Avengers,â directed by Joss Whedon (âSerenityâ) from a screenplay by Whedon. The film will continue principal photography in Cleveland, Ohio and New York City. Robert Downey, Jr. (âIron Man,â âIron Man 2″) returns as the iconic Tony Stark/Iron Man along with Chris Hemsworth (âThorâ) as Thor, Chris Evans (âCaptain America: The First Avengerâ) as Captain America, Jeremy Renner (âThor,â âThe Hurt Lockerâ) as Hawkeye, Mark Ruffalo (âThe Kids Are Alrightâ) as Hulk, Scarlett Johansson (âIron Man 2″) as Black Widow, Clark Gregg (âIron Man,â âThorâ) as Agent Phil Coulson, and Samuel L. Jackson (âIron Man,â âIron Man 2″) as Nick Fury. Set for release in the US on May 4, 2012, âMarvelâs The Avengersâ is the first feature to be fully owned, marketed and distributed by Disney, which acquired Marvel in 2009."

"Continuing the epic big-screen adventures started in âIron Man,â âThe Incredible Hulk,â âIron Man 2,â âThor,â and âCaptain America: The First Avenger,â âMarvelâs The Avengersâ is the super hero team up of a lifetime. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster."

"Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, âMarvelâs The Avengersâ brings together the mightiest super hero characters as they all assemble together on screen for the first time. The star studded cast of super heroes will be joined by Cobie Smulders (âHow I Met Your Mother) as Agent Maria Hill of S.H.I.E.L.D., as well as Tom Hiddleston (âWallanderâ) and Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd (âAngels & Demons,â âMamma Mia!â) who will both reprise their respective roles as Loki and Professor Erik Selvig from the upcoming Marvel Studiosâ feature âThor.â"

"âMarvelâs The Avengersâ is being produced by Marvel Studiosâ President, Kevin Feige, and executive produced by Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Louis DâEsposito, Patty Whitcher, and Jon Favreau. Marvel Studiosâ Jeremy Latcham and Victoria Alonso will co-produce."